RESUMO
The aim of this study was to develop a patient self-report tool to detect symptoms of genital and lower limb lymphoedema in male survivors of genitourinary cancer. The study incorporated the views of patients and subject specialists (lymphoedema and urology) in the design of a patient questionnaire based on the literature. Views on comprehensiveness, relevance of content, ease of understanding and perceived acceptability to patients were collated. The findings informed the development of the next iteration of the questionnaire. The overall view of participants was that the development and application of such a tool was of great clinical value and the Lymphoedema Genito-Urinary Cancer Questionnaire (LGUCQ) has significant potential for further development as a research tool to inform prevalence of this under-reported condition.
RESUMO
Many women in the general population either have, or are at risk of developing, lymphoedema, which is an incurable but manageable life-long condition, which may have a devastating effect physically and emotionally. Factors that predispose women to develop lymphoedema are outlined in this article. Strategies to prevent or minimize the severity of lymphoedema are identified. The role of healthcare professionals in empowering women and promoting actions and attitudes that enable them to minimize the risk of developing lymphoedema or exacerbating established lymphoedema and facilitating coping are discussed.